The Pursuit of Innovation

WORKING TOGETHER Regional West is the network hospital for eight Critical Access Hospitals in the region that comprise the Rural Nebraska Healthcare Network (RNHN), a not-for-profit corporation. Through RNHN, these entities, including Regional West Medical Center, are able to review, discuss, and determine how best to work together to coordinate care for COVID-19 patients in our region. Regional West is working with area hospitals to coordinate care services for patients — including staffing and supplies — as the volume changes in our communities. This effort is organized through RNHN CEOs, CNOs, and others. This is an advantage for our patients in the region for access to healthcare services.

“I’m very proud of the many ways our staff, medical staff, and leadership have responded to this situation innovatively as we are constantly working to be prepared for COVID-19 patients while also ensuring we continue providing exceptional healthcare services for non-COVID-19 healthcare needs,” says John Mentgen, FACHE, president and CEO, Regional West Health Services. “Their actions demonstrate that the safety of our patients and staff continues to be Regional West’s highest priority.”

Regional West is now preparing for influenza season, which is just months away. As always, we advise everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends pneumonia vaccination for children younger than 2 years old and adults ages 65 and older.

Now and during flu season, it’s vitally important to continue following the good health lessons learned from the pandemic: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, practice social distancing appropriately, and stay home if you don’t feel well or have a fever.

From 3D tomography to the da Vinci ® Surgical System, Regional West Foundation is paving the way for the Medical Center’s tech advances.

In 2018, it was the YMCA at Regional West, a facility focused on staff health. In 2019, it was a million-dollar 3D tomography machine and all-new cardiac catheterization lab. This year, it’s the da Vinci ® Surgical System, a premier robotic surgery system that enhances surgical precision, flexibility, control, and vision. John Massey In the last few years, Regional West Foundation’s fundraising has moved mountains in Regional West’s push for the latest technology to better serve regional residents.

At a glance, the Foundation’s role is simple: it raises, manages, and distributes funds to enhance services, programs, and projects of Regional West Health Services. Management and disbursement of funds is guided through the Foundation board of directors, a mix of hospital and community leaders who share a common interest in healthcare philanthropy. But it’s the way projects are manifested that makes the Foundation a stand-out member of Regional West.

Each year, the Foundation garners support for Regional West initiatives through a variety of fundraising tactics. These approaches include activities such as employee campaigns, community donations, the golf scramble, and an annual gala. Their work culminates in raising millions of dollars a year for state-of-the-art technology, as well as updating medical equipment and the facilities to house the new technology.

“We are humbled to have such great support from our staff and community members. Their generosity is essential to Regional West’s mission to provide excellent healthcare for our region,” says John Massey, Regional West Foundation Board of Directors chair.

The Foundation’s work doesn’t stop at Regional West’s main campus. Each year, the Foundation grants approximately $75,000 in educational scholarships to students from the Regional West service area. Around 75% of scholarship recipients pursue employment in the Regional West service area following graduation, meaning more workers are staying in the panhandle to create a strong local economy.

To learn how you can give, call the Foundation at 308-630-2244 or visit RegionalWestFoundation.org.